John Imes

John Imes, executive director and co-founder of Wisconsin Environmental Initiative (WEI), has over 25 years of experience creating and managing award-winning programs for improving our environment and economy. Previously, Imes was the Environmental Manager for Quad/Graphics, a company long known for its environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Among many accolades over the years, Imes accepted the award recognizing the company’s leadership on climate change at a 1994 White House conference.

WEI works to improve the environment, economy, and quality of Wisconsin through initiatives that promote responsible business practices, sound environmental policy, green building and water stewardship. Imes was instrumental in developing the nationally recognized Green Built Home and Travel Green Wisconsin business certification programs. WEI’s "Energy Forum" was highly praised as a valuable resource to help end Wisconsin's energy wars by blending efficiency and conservation efforts with new technology, systems and market realities. Imes also challenged business and industry, state agencies, the Legislature and environmental groups to look beyond the top-down, prescriptive solutions of the past and to examine strategies and policies that can lead to positive environmental results and a more productive business climate.

Imes also serves as an elected board trustee for the Village of Shorewood Hills and has served in many appointments as an advisor to national, state and local initiatives over the years.

Imes, an MATC and Carroll College graduate, is also co-owner of Arbor House, a national award-winning inn and model for sustainable tourism located in Madison, Wisconsin.